It was still dark over Chicago when a quiet home near 105th Street and Green Street turned into the scene of a heartbreaking loss. Around 3:27 a.m., a fire broke out inside the residence, catching a family off guard while most of them were asleep.
Firefighters rushed in after the alarm came through. They worked quickly, pushing through smoke and heat to get inside. Two people were pulled out of the house as crews battled to bring the flames under control. But inside, the damage had already taken a heavy toll.
Ten-year-old London Woodard was found on a couch in the living room. He had suffered severe smoke inhalation. First responders moved him out fast and got him to Roseland Community Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead. His loss has left a deep scar on everyone who knew him.
His older brother, 18-year-old Mikah Glass, was also inside the home. Mikah, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was rescued from the same area. He had taken in a dangerous amount of smoke and was rushed to Little Company of Mary Hospital. As of now, he remains in critical condition, fighting for his life.
Family members said both boys were in the living room when the fire started. Their parents were asleep upstairs at the time. When the fire broke out, the parents managed to get out safely. The father tried to reach the boys but couldn’t make it in time. In a desperate moment, the mother ran to neighbors for help.
Those who knew London describe him as full of life. He loved basketball and had just played in a game hours before everything changed. That detail has stuck with family and friends, making the loss even harder to accept. A young boy, active and smiling just hours earlier, gone before sunrise.
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the fire. Early signs suggest it may have started from an electrical issue, possibly tied to an outlet behind the couch where London was found. Officials say nothing is confirmed yet, and the investigation is ongoing.
For now, the focus remains on grief and hope. A family is mourning a child taken too soon, while holding on to the fragile hope that Mikah will pull through. Around them, a community stands shaken, trying to make sense of a tragedy that unfolded in just a matter of minutes.
